Top Attractions for Out-of-Towners in Downey
Downey has plenty of exciting attractions to fill your group’s itinerary. From hands-on museums to lush public parks and even a historic 1950s diner, Downey offers memorable destinations for travelers of all interests. These are just a few of my top recommendations for first-timers in Downey.
Columbia Memorial Space Center
Calling all star gazers, astronauts-in-training, and science enthusiasts. The Columbia Memorial Space Center is the ultimate destination for space travel inspiration. Learn about astronaut training, rocket science, and even meet an astronaut at this highly interactive museum. The center aims to educate visitors about various aspects of the space program through exhibits covering topics like living in space, Mars exploration, and rocket launching. You’ll feel like you’re truly experiencing an extraterrestrial voyage.
Downey Landing
Downey Landing refers to the city’s shopping, dining, and entertainment area along the Rio Hondo River. Here you’ll find a 14-screen AMC movie theater, Barnes & Noble, various restaurants, and chain stores. On weekends, Downey Landing hosts a weekly farmer’s market with local vendors selling fresh produce and artisan goods. Visitors love the various public art pieces like metallic flower sculptures that decorate the Landing.
Rio Hondo Bike Path
Outdoor enthusiasts will love spending an afternoon biking or walking along Downey’s scenic bike path. The Rio Hondo Bike Path is part of a larger county network, spreading across approximately 16 miles to connect various cities like South Gate, Bell Gardens, and Santa Fe Springs. Along the bike path you’ll have beautiful views of the Rio Hondo River with plenty of shaded areas and park benches to stop and take a break.
Griffith Observatory
Although not located directly in Downey, the iconic Griffith Observatory is just a quick drive up the 5 freeway in Los Angeles. The Art Deco observatory sits perched within Griffith Park and offers one-of-a-kind cityscape views alongside exhibits for space and science discovery. On clear nights, visitors can gaze into the Zeiss Telescope and even view live shows inside the Samuel Oschin Planetarium.
Bob’s Big Boy Broiler
You can’t visit Downey without stopping into the original Bob’s Big Boy restaurant, affectionately called Bob’s Big Boy Broiler by locals. The Broiler has been serving its signature double-decker burger to patrons since 1949. Step back in time surrounded by vintage decor and enjoy classic diner cuisine like hot fudge cake and patty melts. You’ll understand why Bob’s Big Boy holds such significance in fast food history after one visit.
Rio Hondo Golf Club
The Rio Hondo Golf Club is a classic 18-hole public golf course with meticulously manicured greens. Golfers at Rio Hondo can enjoy panoramic views of the San Gabriel Mountains in a serene setting just 20 minutes from downtown LA. The challenging par 72 course was designed by world-renowned golf architects William P. Bell and William Johnson in 1959. After perfecting your swing, stop by Rio Hondo’s Pro Shop for gear or the Cafe on the Green for food and drinks.
How to Get Around Downey, California
Downey is a Los Angeles suburb with a small town feel, which makes navigating the city quite easy. But traffic and parking can still be an annoyance, especially when traveling in an unfamiliar area. Consider these various transportation options for getting your group around Downey efficiently.
Light Rail
Traveling to Downey from other areas around metro Los Angeles County? The LA Metro light rail system includes the Green Line which connects Norwalk to Redondo Beach with stops in Downey. The nearest station stops to Downey attractions are Lakewood Boulevard and Firestone Boulevard. Visitors can purchase one-way tickets or day passes for unlimited Metro rail rides. Although the light rail can be convenient, it does require groups to split up into multiple train cars. This method won’t keep your entire group together.
Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis and rideshares like Uber and Lyft offer on-demand transportation without designated routes or schedules. These options work well for small groups but can get expensive for multiple rides with larger parties. Plus rideshares require groups to split up into various cars, which defeats the purpose of traveling together. Taxis typically only seat up to four passengers. With so many caveats, rideshares and taxis just aren’t practical for big group transportation.
Charter Buses
Traveling by charter bus is hands-down the most efficient and cost-effective transportation method for big groups in Downey. Charter bus rentals allow groups of any size to stick together on journeys around the city and beyond. Your professional driver will pick up and drop off your group wherever is most convenient on your custom itinerary. Avoid the stress of finding parking at crowded attractions like the Columbia Memorial Space Center or Griffith Observatory. Simply relax on board your charter bus while your driver navigates directly to the entrance. Charter buses offer far more comforts than public transportation or cabs. Upgrade your ride with plush seating, climate controls, charging ports, entertainment systems, and more. All our charter bus rentals undergo extensive cleaning procedures and vehicle inspections. You can ride at ease knowing every precaution is taken for your health and safety. Whether you need a minibus for a smaller group or a 56-passenger coach bus for a large club, our fleet offers charter buses suiting groups of all sizes. Let me simplify your Downey travels while keeping your entire group together.
Ready to Get Started?
Make memories exploring Downey’s unique attractions without the hassle. Now that you’re in the know, let me take the stress out of group transportation in Downey. My team is available 24/7 at 213-354-7131 to answer any questions and get you a free quote for charter bus rentals. I can’t wait to get your perfect transportation day in Downey underway soon!